Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of lung disorders associated with exertional dyspnea, hypoxemia, which is often worse with activity, and deconditioning. The majority of evidence supporting the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) comes from studies of persons with obstructive disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, growing evidence supports the use of PR as an effective and safe intervention for persons with ILD. Despite the lack of clinical guidelines for PR in ILD, several recent studies have shown effectiveness of PR in improvement of dyspnea and function in patients with ILD. This article reviews the current evidence for PR in ILD and suggests an approach to management.